In 1951, the American Zionist Committee for Public Affairs (AZCPA) was established as a subsidiary of the American Zionist Council (AZC). The AZCPA became the primary vehicle for funneling significant sums of money directly from Israel to members of the U.S. Congress, effectively serving as a mechanism for bribery to influence pro-Israel legislation. It operated under the AZC for three years until the AZC divested itself from the AZCPA.

The AZCPA continued its role of influencing Congress through financial means until 1959, when the organization underwent another rebranding. At this point, it adopted the name it is widely known by today: the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). This marked the second major transformation of the group, solidifying its role as a powerful lobbying organization advocating for pro-Israel policies in the United States.

In November 1960, John F. Kennedy was elected President of the United States. Known for his anti-war, peacemaking worldview, as well as his charisma and charm, Kennedy also took a notably firm stance toward the CIA and Israel, particularly regarding its nuclear ambitions.